Homeowners Insurance Coverage Failures Leave Victims Homeless

A Missouri woman and two Florida families found out that their homeowners insurance coverage failed to protect them from devastating damage to their investments. In Missouri, a woman learned that her homeowners insurance coverage would not cover damage from a backed-up sewer line that spewed raw sewage into her bathroom. In Florida, an insurance provider refused to cover the damage to two neighboring houses caused by a six-foot-deep sinkhole.

Homeowners Insurance Coverage Won’t Clean Up Raw Sewage

A woman in a Kansas City suburb woke up on a Saturday morning to find raw sewage flowing into her shower and toilet. Melissa Taylor of Liberty, Missouri, learned that repairs to her plumbing would cost thousands of dollars, but that her homeowners insurance coverage would not cover the damage. An investigation revealed that a large deposit of grease was clogging a major sewer drain. Until her homeowners insurance coverage can start the repair process, she and her children are living with her in-laws.

City, Carrier Point Fingers In Homeowners Insurance Coverage Dispute

The core of the homeowners insurance coverage dispute comes from argument between the city of Liberty and the insurance provider. Under Missouri law, the city cannot take responsibility for backups in the sewer system that it did not directly cause. The insurer refuses to accept the homeowners insurance coverage claim and pay for repairs. Ms. Taylor told a local TV station that the insurer is “pointing fingers at the city (and) the city (is) pointing fingers at the homeowners insurance (company), and, in the meantime, me and my kids are homeless.”

Source: KSHB-TV

Florida Sinkhole Shows Homeowners Insurance Coverage Loophole

Residents in a Tampa suburb claim that their homeowners insurance coverage providers refused to authorize repairs that would have protected them from a major sinkhole. At least one homeowner in Valrico, Florida, contacted State Farm to determine if their foundation repairs were covered under their homeowners insurance coverage. An engineering firm hired by State Farm investigated cracks in the foundations and found sinkhole activity under the home, but reported that the sinkhole activity would not cause any structural damage.

Homeowners Insurance Coverage and Florida Law

A 2011 Florida law states that policy holders are not entitled to homeowners insurance coverage if the sinkhole does contribute to structural damage.
This week, authorities ordered residents to evacuate their homes due to increased sinkhole activity. The homeowners expressed concerns that the lack of homeowners insurance coverage will leave them homeless if the sinkhole activity continues.

Source: WFLA-TV

Get Answers For Your Homeowners Insurance Lawsuit Questions

To find out how we can answer your questions about a homeowners insurance lawsuit, contact one of our attorneys today. Our intake team will take down the details of your case and quickly connect you to an attorney who understands how to get the most from your homeowners insurance lawsuit. You can also fill out the “Free Case Evaluation” form at the top of this page.